The Future of Cancer Research

Each month in our Open Voices blog we share insight from leaders in our communities who are advancing what it means to have sacred, open green spaces in our cities. This October we share in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In addition to the stress from a cancer diagnosis, decisions like deciding the best treatment plan for your body can be daunting. In our decades-long research battle with cancer, scientists are documenting the outcomes of different treatment options and technology. An unfortunate and documented side effect of chemotherapy is loss in cognitive function and ability to focus and concentrate. And, we know from several studies that those who have recently discovered their cancer diagnosis but not even began chemotherapy already face demands on their attention and cognitive abilities. A few researchers are working to develop breast cancer health interventions to maintain or restore attention capacity during the demanding phases of illness. This research group is studying the effects of a nature-based intervention on the cognitive attention of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer 1.

A woman enjoys a moment in nature
A woman enjoys a moment in nature

In that 2003 study, the psychological health of cancer patients “improved dramatically” after they spent 20 minutes a day, three days a week, doing restorative activities. Participants who engaged in nature-based activities (e.g. visiting a botanical garden, watching birds, tending plants) experienced improved cognition and reduced mental fatigue compared with those who did not engage with nature. Patients did not need to engage in strenuous outdoor activities; important for those in a post-surgery recovery phase. A control group that did not do the activities showed notably less improvement. In their discussion, the researchers state it is not clear whether there is a minimal dose of time spent in nature that is necessary to achieve beneficial effects on cognitive function, or whether engaging in certain types of nature activities may produce a stronger benefit than others. The researchers are currently developing instruments to better measure cognitive improvement 2. We hope future researchers will continue to investigate the complex ways we benefit from nature across time and space.

Do you notice a difference in your mindset or mood when you spend just a little time in your yard or nearby park? Please share your experiences in the comments below.

1 Cimprich, B. and D. L. Ronis. 2003. An Environmental Intervention to Restore Attention in Women with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer. Cancer Nursing 26, 4: 284-293.
2 Cimprich, B., M. Visovatti, and D. L. Ronis. 2011. The Attentional Function Index— – a Self-report Cognitive Measure. Psycho-Oncology 20, 2: 194-202.